AROUND THE NATION

Published 6:30 am, Wednesday, February 8, 2006

RETAIL

Taking on toys after leaving Target

Toys "R" Us named former Target Vice Chairman Gerald Storch CEO as it seeks to revive profit.

Storch, 49, was the No. 2 executive at Target for four years before his departure in October. He replaces John Eyler, who resigned after Toys "R" Us was acquired by three buyout firms for $6.6 billion.

INVESTMENTS

Icahn releases scathing report

NEW YORK - Financier
Carl Icahn
stepped up his campaign against Time Warner on Tuesday, releasing the results of a study proposing that the media conglomerate be broken up into four companies.

Most Popular

The report, which Icahn commissioned from investment bank Lazard, said Time Warner's focus on short-term considerations has cost share-
holders a total of $40 billion.

PHARMACEUTICALS

Pfizer takes look at unit's options

NEW YORK - Pfizer said Tuesday it is exploring various options for its $4 billion over-the-counter drug unit, includ-
ing selling or spinning off the business that includes Listerine mouthwash, Visine eye drops and Lubriderm lotion.

LEGISLATION

Asbestos measure moves forward

A proposed $140 billion fund to help asbestos-exposure victims and end lawsuits that have bankrupted almost 80 companies cleared its first hurdle in the Senate.

Senators voted 98-1 to permit debate on the measure. There are other obstacles to the measure, which would end litigation that has forced some companies into bankruptcy.

TECHNOLOGY

Microsoft plans security service

SEATTLE - A new security service from Microsoft Corp. will charge users $49.95 per year to better protect its Windows operating system from spyware, viruses and other Internet attacks.

Microsoft plans to release the product in early June. Called Windows OneCare Live, the subscription service will compete with security products made by traditional Microsoft partners, including Symantec and McAfee — although the software giant insists that its aim is not to run those companies out of business.

IN OTHER NEWS ...

•The chairman and ranking Democrat of the
Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee
introduced legislation to expand drilling for oil and natural gas 100 miles from Florida's coast. The bill from Republican Sen.
Pete Domenici
and Democratic Sen.
Jeff Bingaman
, both of New Mexico, would open part of the eastern Gulf of Mexico, known as Lease Area 181, to drilling.
•
Google
said that the wide variety of Web sites might shrink if broadband providers like
AT&T
start charging companies for premium access to high-speed networks. The
Bell
companies promised members of the
Senate Commerce Committee
that they have no plans to block Internet services. Lawmakers are considering legislation to guarantee consumers open access to the Internet — a notion those in the industry refer to as "net neutrality."
•
Henry Kissinger
, a former secretary of state, lobbied the South Korean government not to punish
Microsoft
for bundling its software products together, Korea's
Fair Trade Commission